NAJČEŠĆI FRAZALNI GLAGOLI U UPOTREBI

GLAGOL ZNAČENJE PRIMJER

act like (inseparable) behave in a way that's like _____ .

"What's wrong with Bob? He's acting like anidiot."Note: This phrasal verb is very informal.

act up (no object)misbehave (for people); not workproperly (for machines).

"The babysitter had a difficult time. The childrenacted up all evening.""I guess I'd better take my car to the garage.It's been acting up lately."

add up (1. no object) logically fit together.

"His theory is hard to believe, but his researchadds up.""His theory seems, at first, to be plausible, butthe facts in his research don't add up."Note: This phrasal verb is often negative.

add up (2. separable) find the total."What's the total of those bills? Could you addthem up and see?"

add up to(inseparable)

to total."The bills add up to $734.96. That's more thanI expected!"

add up to something equalYour purchases add up to $205.32.

apply for ask (for something)

"He applied for a leave of absence"; "She applied for college"; "apply for a job"

ask aroundask many people the same question

I asked around but nobody has seen my wallet.

ask someone out (separable) ask/invite on a dateBrian asked Judy out to dinner and a movie.

back down (no object) not follow a threat.

"Tom was going to call the police when I toldhim I'd wrecked his car, but he backed down when I said I'd pay for the damages."

back off (no object) not follow a threat.

"Tom was ready to call the police when I toldhim I'd wrecked his car, but he backed off when I said I'd pay for the damages."

back someone up supportMy wife backed me up over my decision to quit my job.

back something up (inseperable) reverse You'll have to back up your car so that I can get out.

back up (1. no object) (inseperable)

move backward; move in reverse.

"You missed the lines in the parking space.You'll have to back up and try again.""The people waiting in line are too close to the door. We won't be able to open it unless they back up."

back up (2. separable)drive a vehicle backwards (in reverse).

"You're too close! Back your car up so I canopen the garage door."

back up (3. separable)confirm a story, facts, or information.

"If you don't believe me, talk to Dave. He'llback me up."

back up (4. separable)make a "protection" copy to use if there are problems with the original.

"When my computer crashed, I lost many ofmy files. It's a good thing I backed themup."

beg off (no object)

decline an invitation; ask to be excused from doing something.

"At first Lily said she would be at the party.Later she begged off."

blow something up add airWe have to blow 50 balloons up for the party.

blow up (1. separable) inflate."We needs lots of balloons for the party. Willyou blow them up?"

blow up (inseperable) explodeThe racing car blew up after it crashed into the fence.

blow up (2. separable) explode; destroy by exploding.

A: "That old building really came downquickly!"B: "That's because the construction companyused dynamite to blow it up."

blow up (3. no object) suddenly become very angry."Whe I told Jerry that I'd had an accidentwith his car, he blew up."

bone up on (inseparable)review / study thoroughly for a short time.

"If you're going to travel to Peru, you'dbetter bone up on your Spanish."

break down (inseperable, no object)

stop workingfunctioning (vehicle, machine)

Our car broke down at the side of the highway in the snowstorm.

break down (inseperable) get upset

The woman broke down when the police told her that her son had died.

break down (1. separable)separate something into component parts.

"We spent a lot of money at the supermarket. When we broke the total cost down, we spent more on cleaning suppliesthan food."

break in (inseperable, often noobject; with an object)

force entry to a (building house breaking alock, window, etc.)

Somebody broke in last night and stole our stereo.

break in interruptThe TV station broke in to report the news of the president's death.

break in (2. separable)wear something new until it's /they're comfortable.

"These are nice shoes, but they're too stiff. Ihope it doesn't take too long to break themin."

break in (3. separable)train; get someone / somethingaccustomed to a new routine.

"I hope I can learn my new job quickly. Themanager hasn't scheduled much time forbreaking me in."

break into something enter forciblyThe firemen had to break into the room to rescue the children.

break out (1. separable) escape."The prisoners have broken out this morning. "

break out in something develop a skin conditionI broke out in a rash after our camping trip.

break something down divide into smaller partsOur teacher broke the final project down into three separate parts.

break something inwear something a few times so that it doesn't look/feel new

I need to break these shoes in before we run next week.

break up (inseperable) usually noobject; with an object)

end a personal relationship

My boyfriend and I broke up before I moved to America.

break up start laughing (informal)The kids just broke up as soon as the clown started talking.

break up (1. no object) disperse; scatter."What time did the party break up lastnight?"

break up with[inseparable)

end a personal relationship.

"Have you heard the news? Julie broke upwith Tim!"

bring / take back(separable)

return something.

"Yes, you can borrow my pen, don't forget tobring it back to me when you're finished.""This book is due tomorrow. I guess I shouldtake it back to the library."

bring about (inseperable)Cause to happen, occur or exist

"The new President must bring about a change in the health care system"

bring off (separable)

accomplish something difficult;accomplish something people had considered impossible or unlikely.

"No one thought Chuck could get an A in thatcourse, but he brought it off. "

bring someone down make unhappyThis sad music is bringing me down.

bring someone up raise a childMy grandparents brought me up after my parents died.

bring something up vomitHe drank so much that he brought his dinner up in the toilet.

bring something up start talking about a subjectMy mother walks out of the room when my father brings up sports.

bring up (1. separable)mention (as a topic of discussion).

"We planned to discuss overtime pay in themeeting. Why didn't someone bring thattopic up?"

bring up (2. separable) raise; rear.

"Lucy's parents died when she was a baby.Her grandparents brought her up."

brush up on (inseparable)review / study thoroughly for a shorttime.

"If you're going to travel to Peru, you'dbetter brush up on your Spanish."

burn down (no object)become destroyed / consumed by fire.

Note: For upright things--trees, buildings,etc.--only."Lightning struck Mr. Kennedy's barn lastnight. It burned down before the firefighters arrived."

burn up (1. no object)become destroyed / consumed by fire.

Note: (For people and non-upright things only.)"All of Mr. Kennedy's hay burned up when his barn burned down."

burn up (2. separable)cause someone to become very angry.

"Did you hear how rudely Fred talked to me?That really burned me up!"

butt in (no object)impolitely interrupt (a conversation, an action).

"Hey, you! Don't butt in! Wait for your turn!"

butter up (separable)praise someone excessively with the hope of getting some benefit.

"I guess Marty reall wants to be promoted.He's been buttering his boss up all week

call someone back return a phone callI called the company back but the offices were closed for the weekend.

come to (1. inseparable)total.

"Your charges come to $124.38. Will you payby check, in cash, orwith a credit card?"

(not) care for (1.inseparable) like; want.

Note: (This phrasal verb is usuallynegative, though it may be used affirmatively in questions.)A: "Would you care for something to drink?We have coffee, tea, or orange juice."B: "Could I have water, please? I don't carefor coffee, tea, or juice."

call aroundphone many different places/people

We called around but we weren't able to find the car part we needed.

call forexpress the need or desire for; ask for

"She called for room service"

call off (separable)cancel something that has been scheduled.

"We don't have school today. The mayorcalled classes off because of the snow."

call on (inseparable)ask someone for an answer in class.

"I don't know why the teacher never calls onyou. You always know the answer."

call on someone ask for an answer or opinionThe professor called on me for question 1.

call on someone visit someoneWe called on you last night but you weren't home.

call someone up phoneGive me your phone number and I will call you up when we are in town.

call something off cancelJason called the wedding off because he wasn't in love with his fiancé.

calm down relax after being angryYou are still mad. You need to calm down before you drive the car.

calm down (with an object,separable)

help someone become calm / less agitated or upset.

"I know Ralph is upset, but can you calm himdown? He's making so much noise that he'sirritating everyone in the office."

calm down (with orwithout an object)

become calm / less agitated or upset

"Why are you so upset? Suzie didn't intend tospill orange juice on you. Calm down!"

care for (2. inseparable)take care of; supply care to; attend /watch..

"Amy's father got out of the hospital lastweek. The family is caring for him at home."

carry on (inseparable) continue."I have several remarks, but please carryon, I'll explain it later. "

catch on (no object)develop understanding or knowledge ofsomething.

"Bill had never used a computer until he tookthis class, but he caught on very quickly andis now one of the best students."

catch upget to the same point as someone else

You'll have to run faster than that if you want to catch up with Marty.

catch up (with)(often without anobject; with an object, inseparable)

stop being behind.

"Terry stopped to rest for a few minutes. He'llcatch up / catch up with us later."

check inarrive and register at a hotel or airport

We will get the hotel keys when we check in.

check in(to)(inseparable)

register for / at a hotel, conference, etc.;let someone know officially that you havearrived.

"My plane will arrive around 5:00 PM. Ishould be able to check into the hotel by6:00 or 6:30.""When you arrive at the convention, be sureto check in at the registration desk."

check off (separable)make a mark to indicate that something ona list has been completed.

"Here are the things you need to do. Pleasecheck each one off when you've finished it."

check out (of) (1.inseparable)follow procedures for leaving (a hotel, etc.)

You have to check out of the hotel before 11:00 AM.

check out (2.separable)

follow procedures for borrowing something(usually for a limited period of time).

"I'm sorry, but you can't take thatencyclopedia home. The library won't allowyou to check reference books out."

check out someone/something look at (informal)Check out the crazy hair on that guy!

check someone/something out (inseperable)

look at carefully, investigateThe company checks out all new employees.

cheer someone up make happierI brought you some flowers to cheer you up.

cheer up (inseperable) become happierShe cheered up when she heard the good news.

chew out (separable)scold someone severely; berate.

"Tom's father was really angry when Tomdidn't come home until 3:00 AM. He chewedTom out and then said Tom had to stay athome for two weeks."

chicken out (no object)lose the courage or confidence to do something--often at the last minute.

"Sam said he was going to ask Lulu for adate, but he chickened out."

chip in (inseparable)

help/ contribute / donate (often money) tosomething done by a group.

“If everyone chips in we can get the kitchen painted by noon”"We're going to buy a birthday cake for ourboss and I'm collecting donations. Do youwant to chip in?"

clam up(inseparable)

suddenly become quiet / refuse to talkabout something.

"Lila wouldn't talk about the accident. When Iasked her what happened, she clammed up."

clean something up tidy, cleanPlease clean up your bedroom before you go outside.

clear away(separable)

to tidy

"If you've finished playing with those toyscould you clear them all away please."

come across(inseparable)

find (unexpectedly).

"I've lost my extra car keys. If you come across them while your're cleaning the room, please put them in a safe place."

come apart separateThe top and bottom come apart if you pull hard enough.

come by(inseparable)

to find

"I came by this painting when I was lookingaround an antique shop on holiday. "

come down with_____ (inseparable)

become sick/ill with _____ .

"George won't be at the office today. Hecame down with the flu over the weekend."

come forwardvolunteer for a task or to give evidence

The woman came forward with her husband's finger prints.

come from somewhere originate inThe art of origami comes from Asia.

come to (2. no object) regain consciousness.

"When I told Gina that she'd won a milliondollars, she fainted. When she came to, I told her it was a joke and shealmost hit me!"

count on someone/something

rely on, depend on; trust that something willhappen or that someone will do as expected

I am counting on you to make dinner while I am out.

cross out (separable)show that something written is wrong or unnecessary by making an X across it.

"We can't afford to buy everything on yourshopping list, so I've crossed all theunnecessary things out."

cross something out draw a line through

Please cross out your old address and write your new one.

cut back (on) (oftenwithout an object;with an object)

use less of something.

"You should cut back on the amount ofcoffee that you drink.""You drink too much coffee. You should cutback."

cut back on something consume lessMy doctor wants me to cut back on sweets and fatty foods.

cut in interruptYour father cut in while I was dancing with your uncle.

cut inpull in too closely in front of another vehicle

The bus driver got angry when that car cut in.

cut instart operating (of an engine or electrical device)

The air conditioner cuts in when the temperature gets to 22ºC.

cut someone off take out of a willMy grandparents cut my father off when he remarried.

cut something off remove with something sharpThe doctors cut off his leg because it was severely injured.

cut something off stop providingThe phone company cut off our phone because we didn't pay the bill.

cut something outremove part of something (usually with scissors and paper)

I cut this ad out of the newspaper.

cut something downmake something fall to the ground

We had to cut the old tree in our yard down after the storm.

not care for someone/something not like (formal)I don't care for his behaviour.

do in (1. separable) cause to become very tired.

"Those three games of tennis yesterdayafternoon really did me in. I slept for tenhours after I got home."

do in (2. separable) to kill; to murder.

"The said that the murdered man was done in between 10 and 11 o'clock last night."

do away with something discardIt's time to do away with all of these old tax records.

do over (separable) do something again.

"Oh, no! I forgot to save my report before I turned the computer off! Now I'll have to do it over!"

do someone/something over (inseperable)

beat up, ransack (Br.E., informal)

He's lucky to be alive. His shop was done over by a street gang.

do something over do again (N.Amer.)My teacher wants me to do my essay over because she doesn't like my topic.

do something up fasten, closeDo your coat up before you go outside. It's snowing!

drag on (no object)last much longer than expected or is necessary.

"I thought the meeting would be a short one, but it dragged on for more than three hours."

draw out (separable)prolong something (usually farbeyond the normal limits).

"I thought that speech would never end. The speaker could have said everything important in about five minutes, but he drew the speech out for over an hour!"

draw up (separable) create a formal document.

"The Ajax and Tip-Top Banks have decided to merge. Their lawyers will draw all the official documents up sometime this month."

dress up wear nice clothingIt's a fancy restaurant so we have to dress up.

drop back move back in a position/groupAndrea dropped back to third place when she fell off her bike.

drop in/by/on/over (inseperable)

come without an appointmentvisit informally (and usually usually without scheduling a specific time).

I might drop in/by/over for tea some time this week.

drop off (separable) deliver something

"Yes, I can take those letters to the postoffice. I'll drop them off as I go home fromwork."

drop off (separable)deliver someone(by giving him/her a ride)

"You don't have to take a taxi. You live fairly close to me, so I'll be happy to drop you off."

drop out quit a class, school etcI dropped out of Science because it was too difficult.

drop out (of) (inseparable)stop attending / leave school or an organization.

"No, Paul isn't at the university. He dropped out. / He dropped out of school."

drop someone/something off

take someone/something somewhere and leave them/it there

I have to drop my sister off at work before I come over.

eat out (no object) have a meal in a restaurant.I don't feel like cooking tonight. Let's eat out.

egg on (separable)urge / encourage greatly toward doing something (usually something negative).

"At first Bob and Chuck were just having amild argument, but Bob's friends egged themon until they started fighting."

end up eventually reach/do/decideWe ended up renting a movie instead of going to the theatre.

end up (1. no object)finally arrive at; arrive at an unexpected place.

"We got lost last night and ended up in thenext town."

end up (2. no object)arrive somewhere as a result or consequence.

"You're working too hard. If you don't take it easy, you'll end up in the hospital!"

face up to (inseparable) admit to; take responsibility for.

"You can't pretend that you're doing OK in this course, Joe. Sooner or later, you'll have to face up to the fact that you're failing it."

fall apart break into piecesMy new dress fell apart in the washing machine.

fall down fall to the groundThe picture that you hung up last night fell down this morning.

fall out separate from an interiorThe money must have fallen out of my pocket.

fall out(of hair, teeth) become loose and unattached

His hair started to fall out when he was only 35.

fall through (no object)

not happen. (Note describes something that was planned butdidn't happen.)

"We had originally intended to go to Mexicofor our vacation, but our trip fell through when I got sick."

fall through (no object)

not happen. (Note describessomething that was planned butdidn't happen.)

"We had originally intended to go to Mexicofor our vacation, but our trip fell throughwhen I got sick."

feel up to (inseparable)feel strong enough or comfortable enough to do something.

"I know the accident was a terrible shock. Do you feel up to talking about it?"

figure out (1. separable)logically find the answer to aproblem; solve a problem by thinking about it carefully.

"For a long time I couldn't understand the last problem, but I finally figured it out."

figure out (2. separable)understand why someone behaves the way she/he does.

"I can't figure Margie out. Sometimes she'svery warm and friendly and sometimes sheacts as if she doesn't know me."

figure something out understand, find the answerI need to figure out how to fit the piano and the bookshelf in this room.

fill in (1. separable) add information to a form.

"The office needs to know your home address and phone number. Could you fill them in on this form?"

fill in (on) (2. separable)supply information that someone doesn't know.

"I wasn't able to attend the meeting yesterday, but I understand that it wasimportant. Could you fill me in? / Could you fill me in on what was discussed?"

fill in for (inseparable)temporarily do someone else's work; temporarily substitute for another person.

"Professor Newton is in the hospital and won't be able to teach for the rest of the term. Do you know who's going to fill in for her?"

fill out (1. separable)complete a form by adding required information.

"Of course I completed my application! Ifilled it out and mailed it over three weeksago!"

fill out (2. no object) become less thin; gain weight."Jerry used to be really skinny, but in the last year he's begun to fill out."

fill something into write information in blanks (Br.E.)

Please fill in the form with your name, address, and phone number.

fill somethingn outto write information in blanks (N.Amer.)

The form must be filled out in capital letters.

fill something up fill to the topI always fill the water jug up when it is empty.

find out discoverWe don't know where he lives. How can we find out?

find out (about) (inseparable) learn / get information (about)

"I'm sorry that you didn't know the meeting had been canceled. I didn't find out (find out about it) myself until just a few minutes ago."

find something out discoverWe tried to keep the time of the party a secret, but Samantha found it out.

fire away (inseparable)to indicate you are ready forsomeone to speak

"If anyone has any questions, please fireaway"

get on something step onto a vehicle

We're going to freeze out here if you don't let us get on the bus.

go after something try to achieve somethingI went after my dream and now I am a published writer.

get across (separable)

make something understood;communicate something understandably.

"Alan is really intelligent but sometimes hehas problems getting his ideas across."

get along (with)(inseparable)

have a friendly relationship (with); be friendly (toward)

"Why can't you and your sister get along?Everyone else gets along with her just fine!"

get along/on (inseperable) like each otherI was surprised how well my new girlfriend and my sister got along/on.

get around (inseperable) have mobilityMy grandfather can get around fine in his new wheelchair.

get around (1. inseparable) avoid having to do something.

"Teresa got around the required math classes by doing well on a math proficiency test."

get around (2. no object) move from place to place."She doesn't have a car. She gets around by bicycle, bus, or taxi."

get around to(inseparable)

do something eventually.

"I really should wash the dishes, but I don't feel like it. Maybe I'll get around to them tomorrow morning."

get away (inseparable) go on a vacationWe worked so hard this year that we had to get away for a week.

get away with something do without being noticed or punished

Jason always gets away with cheating in his maths tests.

get back (inseparable) returnWe got back from our vacation last week.

get back at someone retaliate, take revengeMy sister got back at me for stealing her shoes. She stole my favourite hat.

get back into somethingbecome interested in something again

I finally got back into my novel and finished it.

get by (no object)survive, financially, in a difficultsituation.

"It's going to be hard to pay the rent now that you've lost your job, but somehow we'll get by."

get in (1. inseparable) enter a small, closed vehicle.

"I don't know where Carole was going. Shejust got in her car and drove away."

get in (2. no object) arrive."Do you know what time Fred's plane gets in?"

get off (1. inseparable) leave a large, closed vehicle.

"When you get off the bus, cross the street, turn right on Oak Street, and keep going until you're at the corner of Oak and Lincoln Boulevard."

get off (2. separable)be excused (for a period of time) from work, class, or other regularly scheduled activities.

"Some schools got President's Day off butours didn't. We had classes as usual."

get off (3. separable)make it possible for someone to avoid punishment.

"Everyone knew he was guilty, but his lawyer was clever and got him off."

get on (inseparable) enter a large, closed vehicle.

"I'm sorry, but you're too late to say goodbye to Angela. She got on the plane about 20 minutes ago."

get out of (1. inseparable) leave a small, closed vehicle.

"There's something wrong with the garage door opener. You'll have to get out of the car and open it by hand."

get out of (2. inseparable)escape having to do something.

"Lisa said she had a terrible headache and got out of giving her speech today."

get over (1. no object)finish. (Note for individual activities,not ones that happen again and again.)

"What time do your classes get over?"

get over somethingrecover from an illness, loss, difficulty

I just got over the flu and now my sister has it.

get over something overcome a problemThe company will have to close if it can't get over the new regulations.

get rid of (1. inseparable)dispose of; give away or throw away.

"That shirt is really ugly. Why don't you get rid of it?"

get rid of (2. inseparable)dismiss someone; fire someone from a job; cause someone to leave.

"The treasurer of the XYZ company was spending too much money so the companypresident got rid of him."

get round to somethingfinally find time to do (N.Amer.: get around to something)

I don't know when I am going to get round to writing the thank you cards.

get something across/overcommunicate, make understandable

I tried to get my point across/over to the judge but she wouldn't listen.

get something backreceive something you had before

Liz finally got her Science notes back from my room-mate.

get together (inseperable)meet (usually for social reasons)

Let's get together for a BBQ this weekend.

get up get out of bedI got up early today to study for my exam.

get up standYou should get up and give the elderly man your seat.

get up (usually no object;separable)

leave bed after sleeping and beginyour daily activities.

"You'll have to get up much earlier than usual tomorrow. We have to leave by no later than 6:00 AM."

get up (with an object, separable)leave bed after sleeping and beginyour daily activities.

"I know I won't hear the alarm tomorrowmorning. Can you get me up at 6:00 AM?"

give inreluctantly stop fighting or arguing

My boyfriend didn't want to go to the ballet, but he finally gave in.

give someone awayreveal hidden information about someone

His wife gave him away to the police.

give someone away take the bride to the altarMy father gave me away at my wedding.

give something away ruin a secretMy little sister gave the surprise party away by accident.

give something awaygive something to someone for free

The library was giving away old books on Friday.

give something back return a borrowed itemI have to give these skates back to Franz before his hockey game.

give something outgive to many people (usually at no cost)

They were giving out free perfume samples at the department store.

give something up quit a habitI am giving up smoking as of January 1st.

give up stop tryingMy maths homework was too difficult so I gave up.

give up (1. separable)stop doing something (usually ahabit).

"He knows smoking isn't good for his health, but he can't give it up."

give up (2. no object)decide not to try (unsuccessfully) tosolve a problem.

A: "What's black and white and red all over?"B: "I give up. What?"A: "An embarrassed zebra!"

go after someone follow someoneMy brother tried to go after the thief in his car.

go against someone compete, opposeWe are going against the best soccer team in the city tonight.

go ahead start, proceedPlease go ahead and eat before the food gets cold.

go back return to a placeI have to go back home and get my lunch.

go outleave home to go on a social event

We're going out for dinner tonight.

go out with (inseparable) have a date with."You went out with Sharon last night, didn'tyou?"

go out with someone dateJesse has been going out with Luke since they met last winter.

go over visit someone nearbyI haven't seen Tina for a long time. I think I'll go over for an hour or two.

go over something reviewPlease go over your answers before you submit your test.

go with (1. no object, seperable)look pleasing together. (Note: forclothes, furniture, etc.)

"You should buy that shirt. It will go well with your dark brown suit."

go with (2. no object) date regularly and steadily."Is Gina going with Jim? I see them together all the time."

go without something suffer lack or deprivationWhen I was young, we went without winter boots.

goof off (no object)be lazy; do nothing in particular.

A: "Do you have any special plans for yourvacation?"B: "No. I'm just going to stay home and goof off."

grow apart stop being friends over timeMy best friend and I grew apart after she changed schools.

grow back regrowMy roses grew back this summer.

grow into something grow big enough to fitThis bike is too big for him now, but he should grow into it by next year.

grow out of something get too big forElizabeth needs a new pair of shoes because she has grown out of her old ones.

grow up become an adultWhen Jack grows up he wants to be a fireman.

grow up (1. no object)spend the years between being a child and being an adult.

"Did you know that Frank grew up inMalaysia?"

grow up (2. no object)behave responsibly; behave as anadult, not a child.

A: "Lee really irritates me sometimes. He'sreally silly and childish."B: "I agree. I wish he would grow up."

hand something over give (usually unwillingly)The police asked the man to hand over his wallet and his weapons.

hand in (separable)submit homework, an assignment, etc.

"You'd better get started on your report. You know that you have to hand it in at 8:30 tomorrow morning!"

hand something downgive something used to someone else

I handed my old comic books down to my little cousin.

hand something in (inseperable) submitI have to hand in my essay by Friday.

hand in (separable)submit homework, an assignment, etc

"You'd better get started on your report. You know that you have to hand it in at 8:30 tomorrow morning!"

hand something outto distribute to a group of people

We will hand out the invitations at the door.

hand out (separable) distribute

"Why don't you have a course description and list of assignments? The teacher handed them out on the first day of class."

hang instay positive (N.Amer., informal)

Hang in there. I'm sure you'll find a job very soon.

hang out spend time relaxing (informal)Instead of going to the party we are just going to hang out at my place.

hang up (no object) end a phone call."I'd like to talk longer, but I'd better hang up. My sister needs to make a call."

have to do with(inseparable)

be about"This class has to do with the behavior of people in groups."

help out (separable) to assist

"If I can help you out in any way please don't hesitate to ask. "

hold on wait a short timePlease hold on while I transfer you to the Sales Department.

hang on wait a short time (informal)Hang on while I grab my coat and shoes!

hold up (1. separable)raise; lift to a higher-than-normal position.

"The winner of the race proudly held histrophy up for all to see."

hold up (2. separable) delay.

"I'm sorry I'm late. There was an accident on the freeway and traffic held me up."

hold someone/something up (3. separable)

rob; threaten someone with harm unless he/she gives her/his money or other valuable things.

"Sarah is very upset. When she was walking home last night, two men held her up and took her purse and jewe

hold onto someone/somethinghold firmly using your hands or arms

Hold onto your hat because it's very windy outside.

hold something back hide an emotionJamie held back his tears at his grandfather's funeral.

hold someone/something back prevent from doing/going I had to hold my dog back because there was a cat in the park.

iron out (separable)mutually reach an agreement; mutually resolve difficulties

"Yes, I know we disagree on lots of things, Susan, but we can iron them out."

jack up (1. separable) raise / life by using a jack."We'll have to jack the back of the car up before we can change the tire."

jack up (2. separable) raise (used for prices)

"The car dealer bought my old Ford for $750 and jacked the price up to $1,500 when they sold it."

jump all over (inseparable)severely scold someone; beratesomeone.

"Arthur is really upset. His boss jumped all over him because he's been late for work three times this week."

keep on doing something (1.inseparable--followedby an -ing verb)

continue"I'm not ready to stop yet. I think I'll keep on working for a while."

keep on (someone)(2. inseparable)

continue to remind someone to do something until he/she does it (even if this irritates her/him).

"Bill's very forgetful. You'll have to keep on him or he'll never do all the things you want him to do."

keep something up continue at the same rateIf you keep those results up you will get into a great college.

keep up (inseparable)to know what is happening in the news

"When I was living abroad I found it difficult to keep up with the news as I didn't speak the language. "

keep someone/something out stop from enteringTry to keep the wet dog out of the living room.

keep something from someone not tell We kept our relationship from our parents for two years.

kick out (separable)

expel; force someone to leave because of his/her poor performance or unacceptable behavior.

"Jim's club kicked him out because he didn't pay his dues or come to meetings."

knock oneself out(separable)

work much harder than normal or than what is expected.

"We completed the project on timebecause of Chuck. He knocked himself out to be sure we didn't miss the deadline."

knock out (separable) make unconscious

"The boxing match ended when one boxer knocked the other one out.""That medicine really knocked me out. I slept for 14 hours straight!"

look down on someone think less of, consider inferiorEver since we stole that chocolate bar your dad has looked down on me.

lay off (separable)

dismiss someone from a job because of lack of work or money (not because of poorperformance)

"I feel really sorry Sally's family. Her father was laid off yesterday."

leave out (separable) forget; omit

"Oh, no! When I made the list of those who attended the meeting, I left your name out!

let down (separable) disappoint"I know I let you down when I didn't do what I promised. I'm really sorry."

let someone downfail to support or help, disappoint

I need you to be on time. Don't let me down this time.

let someone in allow to enterCan you let the cat in before you go to school?

let up (no object) become less intense or slower"It's been raining hard for a long time. Will it ever let up?"

log in Enter a computer system "Have you logged in lately?"

look after someone/something take care ofI have to look after my sick grandmother.

look back on(inseparable)

remember; reflect on / considersomething in the past.

"When they looked back on their many years together, they realized that their marriage had been a very happy one."

look down on(inseparable)

hold in contempt; regard as inferior

"It's not surprising that Fred has few friends. He seems to look down on anyone who doesn't like the same things that he does."

look for someone/something(inseparable)

try to findI'm looking for a red dress for the wedding.

look forward to(inseparable)

anticipate pleasantly; think about a pleasant thing before it happens

"I'm really looking forward to vacation. I can't wait for it to begin!"

look forward to something (inseparable)

be excited about the futureI'm looking forward to the Christmas break.

look in on(inseparable)

visit in order to check something's /someone's condition

"My father just came home from the hospital. I plan to look in on him today after I finish work."

look into something(inseparable)

investigate / get more details about something.

"Someone said there was a meeting at 9:30 but I haven't heard anything about it. Shall I look into it?"

look like (inseparable) resemble (in appearance)"Does he look like his father or his mother?"

look over (separable) check; review"I think I may have some typos in this report. Could you look it over?"

look something over (inseperable) check, examineCan you look over my essay for spelling mistakes?

look something upsearch and find information in a reference book or database

We can look her phone number up on the Internet.

look up (1. separable)find something in a reference work

"I'm sorry, but I don't know what that word means. I'll have to look it up."

look up (2. separable)find where someone lives or works and visit him/her.

"Thanks for giving me your brother's address.When I'm in Chicago next month, I'll be sure to look him up."

look up to someone have a lot of respect forMy little sister has always looked up to me.

look out (inseperable)be careful, vigilant, and take notice

Look out! That car's going to hit you!

look out for someone/something be especially vigilant forDon't forget to look out for snakes on the hiking trail.

luck out (no object) be unexpectedly lucky.

"Gloria was worried because she wasn't prepared to give a report at the meeting, but she lucked out because the meeting waspostponed."

make for (1.inseparable)

go to or toward

"Her teen-aged children are always hungry. As soon as they arrive home from school, they make for the refrigerator."

make for (2.inseparable)

result in; cause.

"Many hands make for light work. (If many people work together, there's less work for everyone.)"

make fun of (inseparable)make jokes about (usually unkindly)

"I agree that Bob looks ridiculous since he shaved his head, but don't make fun of him. You'll hurt his feelings."

make out (separable)see / hear something well enough to understand what it means. (Note: often negative.)

"Ruth's writing is very small. I almost need a magnify glass to make it out.""What were the last two examples that he gave?I couldn't make them out.

make someone up apply cosmetics toMy sisters made me up for my graduation party.

make something up invent, lie about somethingJosie made up a story about about why we were late.

make up (1. separable)invent / create (imaginary)information.

"Judy's story is hard to believe. I'm sure she made it up."

make up (2. separable)compensate for something missed or not done by doing extra or equivalent work.

"I'm sorry I missed the test. May I make it up?"

make up (3 inseparable)re-establish a friendly relationship by admitting guilt.

"Jack and his girlfriend were very angry with each other, but last night they finally made up."

make up forgive each otherWe were angry last night, but we made up at breakfast.

make up (with) (3. inseparable)re-establish a friendly relationship by admitting guilt.

"Jack and his girlfriend were very angry with each other, but last night they finally made up with each other."

mark down (separable)reduce the price (as an incentive tobuy)

"These shoes were really a bargain! The store marked them down by 40%!"

mark up (separable) increase the price (for resale)

"Mrs. White's import shop is profitable because she buys things inexpensively and then marksthem up."

mix something up (inseperable) confuse two or more thingsI mixed up the twins' names again!

mix up (separable) cause to become confused

"I didn't complete the assignment because I didn't know how. The directions mixed me up."

nod off (no object)fall sleep (usually unintentionally)

"The speech was so boring that several people in the audience nodded off before it was finished."

pass out (1. no object)faint; lose consciousness

"When Ella heard that she'd won a million dollars, she was so shocked that she passed out."

pan out (inseperable, no object)

succeed; happen as expected (forplans). (Note: almost alwaysnegative when in statements.)

"I'll be here next week after all. My trip to Chicago didn't pan out."

pass away dieHis uncle passed away last night after a long illness.

pass away (no object) die"I was very sorry to hear that your grandfather passed away."

pass out (1. no object) faint; lose consciousness

"When Ella heard that she'd won a million dollars, she was so shocked that she passed out."

pass out (2. separable) distribute

"Everyone in the room needs one of these information sheets. Who will help me pass them out?"

pass something outgive the same thing to many people

The professor passed the textbooks out before class.

pass something updecline (usually something good)

I passed up the job because I am afraid of change.

pay for somethingbe punished for doing something bad

That bully will pay for being mean to my little brother.

pay someone back return owed moneyThanks for buying my ticket. I'll pay you back on Friday.

pick on (inseparable)bully; intentionally try to make someone upset

"You should be ashamed of teasing your little brother, Bob! Pick on someone your own size!"

pick out (separable) choose; select

"Billy's grandmother especially liked her birthday card because Billy had picked it out himself."

pick something out (inseparable) choose; selectI picked out three sweaters for you to try on.

pick up (1. separable) lift; take up"Those books don't belong on the floor. Will you help me pick them up?"

pick up (2. separable)arrange to meet someone and giveher/him a ride

"Of course we can go there together. What time should I pick you up?"

pick up (3. separable) get; buy

"The children just drank the last of the milk. Could you pick some more up on your way home this evening?"

pick up (4. separable) refresh; revitalize

"He was feeling a little tired, so he drank a glass of orange juice. It picked him up enough to finish his work."

pitch in (no object)help; join together to accomplishsomething

"We'll be finished soon if everyone pitches in."

point someone/something out indicate with your fingerI'll point my boyfriend out when he runs by.

pull over (no object)drive a vehicle to the side of the rode

"When the policeman indicated that I should pull over, I knew he was going to give me a ticket."

put (someone) out inconvenience someone

"I hate to put you out, but I need a ride to the train station and hope you can take me."

put away (separable)return something to the proper place

"I just took these clothes out of the dryer. Will you help me put them away?"

put back (separable)return something to the proper place

"I've finished with these books. Do you want me to put them back on the shelves?"

put off (1. separable) postpone; delay; avoid

"I can't put this work off any longer. If I don't do it soon, it'll be impossible to finish it in time.""When will Mr. Smith agree to a meeting? I keep asking for an appointment, but he keeps putting me off."

put on (1. separable) begin to wear; don"It's a little bit chilly outside. You'd better put a sweater on."

put on (2. separable)try to make someone believesomething that is ridiculous oruntrue.

"Don't believe a word of what Jim was saying. He was just putting us on."

put someone downinsult, make someone feel stupid

The students put the substitute teacher down because his pants were too short.

put something downput what you are holding on a surface or floor

You can put the groceries down on the kitchen counter.

put something off postponeWe are putting off our trip until January because of the hurricane.

put something onput clothing/accessories on your body

Don't forget to put on your new earrings for the party.

put something out extinguishThe neighbours put the fire out before the firemen arrived.

put something together assembleI have to put the crib together before the baby arrives.

put up (1. separable)return something to the proper place

"Your toys are all over the floor, Timmy. Please put them up."

put up (2. separable)provide someone with a place to sleep

"There's no need for you to check into a hotel. I'll be happy to put you up."

put up with someone/something tolerate

"It's really important to come to work on time. The boss won't put up with tardiness."

rip off (separable)cheat; take advantage of; charge too much.

"Don't even think about buying a car there. They'll rip you off."

round off (separable)change from a fraction to thenearest whole number

"Round all prices off to the closest whole-dollar amounts. For example, round $33.73 off to $34.00."

run away (inseparable) leave unexpectedly, escapeThe child ran away from home and has been missing for three days.

run into someone/something meet by chance/ unexpectedly

"Yesterday at the supermarket, Jan ran into her former roommate. Before yesterday, they hadn't seen each other for nearly five years."

run out (inseparable) have none leftWe ran out of shampoo so I had to wash my hair with soap.

run out of (inseparable) use the last of"On the way home from work, Art ran out of gas."

run over/through something rehearse, reviewLet's run over/through these lines one more time before the show.

run over someone/somethingdrive a vehicle over a person or thing

I accidentally ran over your bicycle in the driveway.

set someone up trick, trap

The police set up the car thief by using a hidden camera.

sell out (inseparable) to sell all of the stock"I tried to get their latest CD in town but the shop had sold out "

send something back return (usually by mail)My letter got sent back to me because I used the wrong stamp.

set back (1. separable) cause a delay in scheduling

"We've had some problems with the project that have set us back at least two days . We'll give you a progress report tomorrow."

set back (2. separable) cost"I wonder how much Bill's new car set him back?"

set something up arrange, organizeOur boss set a meeting up with the president of the company.

set up (separable)make arrangements for something

"You'll see Mr. Thomas tomorrow. I've set a meeting up for 9:30 AM."

shop around compare pricesI want to shop around a little before I decide on these boots.

show offact extra special for people watching (usually boastfully)

He always shows off on his skateboard

show up (1. no object) arrive; appear

"The boss was very upset when you didn't show up for the meeting. What happened?"

show up (2. separable)do a noticeably better job (often unexpectedly) than someone else

"Everyone thought Marsha would win, but Jean did. Actually, Jean really showed Marsha up."

sleep overstay somewhere for the night (informal)

You should sleep over tonight if the weather is too bad to drive home.

slip up (no object) make a mistake"You slipped up here. The amount should be $135.28, not $132.58."

sort something out organize, resolve a problemWe need to sort the bills out before the first of the month.

stand for (1. no object) represent"These letters seem to be an abbreviation. Do you know what they stand for?"

stand for (2. inseparable)tolerate; permit (usually negative)

"I'm not surprised that Mrs. Johnson rejected your report. She won't stand for shoddy work."

stand out (no object)be noticeably better than other similar people or things

"Good job, Ann! Your work really stands out!"

stand up (1. noobject)

rise to a standing position"When the Chairperson entered the room, everyone stood up."

stand up (2. separable) make a date but not keep it

"Angela was supposed to go to the dance with Fred, but she stood him up and went with Chuck instead."

stick to somethingcontinue doing something, limit yourself to one particular thing

You will lose weight if you stick to the diet.

switch something off stop the energy flow, turn offThe light's too bright. Could you switch it off.

switch something on start the energy flow, turn onWe heard the news as soon as we switched on the car radio.

take/bring back (separable) return"This book is due tomorrow. I guess I should take it back to the library."

take after (inseperable) someone resemble a family memberNote: used for peopleI take after my mother. We are both impatient.

take care of (1. inseparable)provide care for; watch one's health

"Lois has been taking care of her father since he returned home from the hospital.""You've been working too hard lately. You'd better take care of yourself!"

take care of (2. inseparable)make arrangements (for something to happen); take responsibility for

"Will you take care of making reservations for our flight to Boston?"

take off start to flyMy plane takes off in five minutes.

take off (1. separable)remove (something you're wearing)

"Please take your hat off when you go inside a building."

take off (2. no object)leave; depart (often suddenly orquickly)

"Was something wrong with Jill? She took off without saying goodbye.""When does your plane take off?"

take off (2. no object)leave; depart (often suddenly or quickly)

"Was something wrong with Jill? She took off without saying goodbye.""When does your plane take off?"

take off (3. separable)make arrangements to be absentfrom work

"Susan isn't here today. She's taking today and tomorrow off."

take off (3. separable)make arrangements to be absent from work

"Susan isn't here today. She's taking today and tomorrow off."

take someoneoutpay for someone to go somewhere with you

My grandparents took us out for dinner and a movie.

take somethingapart purposely break into piecesHe took the car brakes apart and found the problem.

take somethingback return an itemI have to take our new TV back because it doesn't work.

take somethingoffremove something (usually clothing)

Take off your socks and shoes and come in the lake!

take somethingout remove from a place or thingCan you take the garbage out to the street for me?

take up (separable)begin (a hobby or leisure-timeactivity)

A: "Do you like to ski?"B: "I've never been skiing, but I think I'd like to take it up."

tear somethingup rip into piecesI tore up my ex-boyfriend's letters and gave them back to him.

tell (someone) off(separable)

speak to someone bluntly andnegatively, saying exactly whatshe/he did wrong

"Julie was really angry at Bob; she told him off in front of all of us."

tell (someone) off (separable)speak to someone bluntly and negatively, saying exactly what she/he did wrong

"Julie was really angry at Bob; she told him off in front of all of us."

think backremember (often + to, sometimes + on)

When I think back on my youth, I wish I had studied harder.

think somethingover considerI'll have to think this job offer over before I make my final decision.

throw away(separable)

discard; put in the garbage"You shouldn't throw those newspapers away; they're recyclable."

throw away (separable) discard; put in the garbage"You shouldn't throw those newspapers away; they're recyclable."

throw out (1.separable)

discard; put in the garbage"This food smells bad. You'd better throw it out."

throw out (2.separable)forcibly make someone leave (usually because of bad behavior)

"Those people are drunk and making everyone uncomfortable. The manager should throw them out."

throw something away dispose ofWe threw our old furniture away when we won the lottery.

throw up (usually noobject; with an object,separable)

vomit

"Paul was so nervous about his job interview that he threw up just before he left for it."

tick off (1. separable)irritate someone; make someone upset or angry

"It really ticks her off when someone is late for an appointment."

tick off (2. separable)show that something has been completed by putting a tick (check) beside it

"Here are the things you need to do. Tick each one off when you finish it."

try on (separable)wear something briefly to check its fit, how it looks, etc

"I'm not sure that jacket is large enough. May I try it on?"

try out (for) (inseparable)try to win a place on a team or other organization.

"I know you want to be on the football team. Are you going to try out?""If you like to sing, you should try out for the choir.

try something out test use a machine/product briefly to determine how well it works

"I really like the way this car looks. May I try it out?"

try something on sample clothingI'm going to try these jeans on, but I don't think they will fit.

turn around (1.usually no object)move so that you are facing the opposite direction

"Everyone turned around and stared when I entered the meeting late."

turn around (2. separable)move so that someone / something is facing the opposite direction

"I don't want this chair facing the window. Will you help me turn it around?"

turn around (3. separable)make changes so that something that was unprofitable is profitable

"The company was doing poorly until it hired a new president. He turned it around in about six months and now it's doing quite well."

turn down (1. separable) decrease the volume

"Your music is giving me a headache! Please turn it down or use your headphones!"

turn down (2. separable) refuse

"I thought I could borrow some money from Joe, but when I asked, he turned me down."

turn in (1. separable)give / deliver / submit to someone

"I've written my report, but I haven't turned it in."

turn in (2. no object) go to bed"I'm pretty tired. I guess I'll turn in."

turn in (3. separable)report or deliver wrongdoers to the authorities

"Two days after the robbery, the thieves turned themselves in."

turn off (1. separable)stop by turning a handle or switch

"I'm cold. Do you mind if I turn the air conditioner off?"

turn off (2. separable) bore; repel (very informal)"That music turns me off. Please play something else!"

turn on (1. separable)start by turning a handle or switch

"It's cold in here. I'm going to turn the heater on"

turn on (2. separable)interest very much; excite (very informal)

"What kind of music turns you on?"

turn something on start the energy, switch onIt's too dark in here. Let's turn some lights on.

turn something downdecrease the volume or strength (heat, light etc)

Please turn the TV down while the guests are here.

turn something down refuseI turned the job down because I don't want to move.

turn something off stop the energy flow, switch offYour mother wants you to turn the TV off and come for dinner.

turn something upincrease the volume or strength (heat, light etc)

Can you turn the music up? This is my favourite song.

turn up (inseperable) appear suddenlyOur cat turned up after we put posters up all over the neighbourhood.

turn up (1. separable) increase the volume"I can barely hear the TV. Can you turn it up a little?"

turn up (1. separable) increase the volume"I can barely hear the TV. Can you turn it up a little?"

turn up (2. no object) appear unexpectedly

"We were all surprised when Pam turned up at the party. We didn't even know she was in town."

use something up finish the supplyThe kids used all of the toothpaste up so we need to buy some more.

wait for (inseparable)wait until someone / somethingarrives or is finished with something else

"When will Kenny be finished with work? I've been waiting for him for almost an hour!""I'm tired of waiting for the bus. I guess I'll takea taxi instead."

wait on (1. inseparable)serve (usually customers in a restaurant, shop, etc.)

"I want to make a complaint. The person who just waited on me was very impolite."

wake up stop sleepingWe have to wake up early for work on Monday.

wake up (1. no object) stop sleeping"I usually wake up around 5: 00 AM each day."

wake up (2. separable)rouse someone; cause someone to stop sleeping

"I have an important meeting tomorrow and I'm afraid I won't hear my alarm. Will you wake me up at 6:00 AM?"

warm up (inseperable) prepare body for exerciseI always warm up by doing sit-ups before I go for a run.

warm someone/something up increase the temperatureYou can warm your feet up in front of the fireplace.

wear off (inseperable) fade awayMost of my make-up wore off before I got to the party.

work out (inseperable) exerciseI work out at the gym three times a week.

work out (inseperable) be successful Our plan worked out fine.

work something out make a calculationWe have to work out the total cost before we buy the house.

write down (separable) record something in writing"Could you tell me your e-mail address again? I want to write it down."